In the case of the Arnett comedy, Sony Pictures TV recently dropped out of the show, citing cost concerns. According to studio insiders, Sony felt that the single-camera comedy was too much of a financial risk, particularly in a year when it already has nearly 15 pilots in production.

Fox then asked its sister studio, 20th Century Fox TV, to take over production. But 20th, which produced “Arrested,” also declined. Having already produced a critically acclaimed but expensive half-hour with the “Arrested” gang that ultimately didn’t go the distance, 20th execs likely got cold feet as well.

Lionsgate then stepped in at the 11th hour to deficit finance and produce the show.

Once Lionsgate is officially on board, Fox is expected to pick the show up to pilot.

Comedy stars Arnett as a wealthy Beverly Hills man who winds up falling for a woman who can’t stand his obnoxious ways.

Vallely and Hurwitz will exec produce with Eric and Kim Tannenbaum, as well as Peter Principato and Paul Young.

Pickup reps the fourth pilot for Tantamount this season — while Principato and Young are also having a good year, having seen three of their projects get pilot greenlights.

Besides “Arrested,” Arnett more recently provided the voice for “Ennis Hofftard” on Fox’s animated comedy “Sit Down, Shut Up,” which also came from Hurwitz and Tantamount; Sony was on board that one. Show was short-lived, but Fox continues to air repeats on Saturday nights at midnight (behind “The Wanda Sykes Show”).